Must Haves for Distance Learning

This year is a unique one, is it not? And many of us are making the tough choices on whether or not to send our kiddos back to school this fall or have them do a distance learning style school for the school year. In our school district, parents are given the choice as to whether or not they want the distance learning option or to send their kids back to school full time, but some of us don’t even have that option and distance learning is the ONLY option for you. In our household, with two working parents, we found distance learning to be very challenging and getting into a routine and schedule took quite some time to do. And once we finally had that routine, school ended and summer began. So today I wanted to share with you my 15 Must Haves for Distance Learning this fall…ways to get in a routine, get organized, and have your best distance learning selves ready to tackle school this fall! *This post contains affiliate links. This is no added cost to you, just a small commission I earn for referring you.

Distance Learning Must Haves

Step One.

Get organized. Make sure that your kiddos have all their supplies needed in an easily reachable place. Nothing is more frustrating than having to dig out all your stuff day after day or leave it piled up, disorganized somewhere. Treat your home school as a regular school and organize your supplies. Have a place for pencils, erasers, scissors, crayons, markers, and more.

Here’s some awesome storage ideas you may like for this:

Step Two.

Have a place setup where your kids can work. Consider making a designated area where the kids enter a “classroom” each day and get to work. Maybe it’s your family office, maybe it’s your kitchen table, maybe it’s a desk in their bedroom. Whatever the case may be, setting up a routine space for them to go and sit down at will help them remember that they’re there to focus on school work now.

Here’s some things that can help:

Step Three.

Have a place where you can write and explain things. We busted through so much paper last year practicing math problems, so have a place like a dry erase board or chalkboard where you can explain things to your kids.

Here’s some things I’d suggest:

Step Four.

Have a way to tell time. My kids live and die for “how much longer” do we have to do this? Have a clock or timer somewhere so that they know where they’re at and what expectations are. It really helps keep them on track.

Here’s some suggestions:

Step Five.

Have a place for everything. If you are doing printouts for different subjects, have a place for math homework, science work, social studies and more. I suggest stacking trays or wall files where your child can store and submit their work once done. If you are working in a smaller space, have a folder for every subject where your child can store their work.

Here’s my suggestions:

Step Six.

Obviously, Distance Learning requires some technology. Our school district gives kids tablets and/or Chromebooks if needed to use at home. For our family, we felt it was a worthwhile investment to just purchase our kids their own chromebooks. There are some great, affordable options for online learning.

Here’s my suggestions…

Step Seven.

An absolute must if you have more than one child doing distance learning is to have headphones. My kids were constantly fighting over who’s laptops were too loud or not being able to hear and it drove us nuts. Be sure you have a good set of headphones for both kids so that they can work quietly and not distract their siblings.

Here’s some recommendations:

Step Eight.

Don’t forget that basic office supplies are crucial for home school success. Be sure to have the basics on hand.

Here’s some reminders…

Stapler
Three hole punch
Scissors
Tape
Laminators aren’t required, but are fun!
Home Printer

Obviously, you will be just fine regardless of how school like you make your home, but for ultimate success just be prepared, be organized, and try to make your child’s new school option more of a routine.

Tips for Successful Distance Learning:

Have a set routine
Set expectations
Set times for breaks, lunches, snacks
Have a checklist or something for the kids to see where they’re at with their day
Encourage play time and exercise like normal school
Expect that the first few weeks might be rough
Encourage independence with their work
Be patient with your kids
Practice good hygiene with hand washing before meals and after play time so that when or if your child does go back to school, they are already in the habit.